1. Grains: Rats are known to feed on various types of grains, such as wheat, barley, oats, corn, and rice. These grains provide essential nutrients like carbohydrates and proteins.
2. Fruits: Rats have a preference for sweet and juicy fruits like bananas, apples, grapes, oranges, and peaches. Fruits offer a source of vitamins, minerals, and moisture.
3. Vegetables: Different vegetable varieties, including carrots, broccoli, lettuce, spinach, and tomatoes, are also commonly consumed by rats. Vegetables provide important vitamins and fiber.
4. Herbs and Leaves: Rats often feed on herbs and leaves of various plants, such as parsley, cilantro, mint, basil, and dandelion leaves. These provide vitamins and minerals.
5. Seeds and Nuts: Rats are attracted to seeds and nuts for their high energy content. Common choices include sunflower seeds, peanuts, almonds, and walnuts.
6. Grasses: Rats may also feed on different types of grasses that grow in their environment, especially in wild or rural areas.
7. Roots: Some rats include edible plant roots in their diet, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, and carrots.
8. Fungi: Rats have been known to consume fungi like mushrooms and truffles when available.
9. Flowers: In certain cases, rats may nibble on the petals or pollen of flowers, particularly if other food sources are scarce.
It is important to note that rats are opportunistic feeders and their dietary choices can vary widely based on their habitat and availability of food. Rats can also adapt their diets to consume alternative plant materials if their preferred food sources become limited.